2nd Gen Pandavas

न: The Fifth Rank - Part 4

CHAPTER 16

We Talk Small. Microscopic, in fact.

"Small talk is better with food." If you were to ask Brynne masi , her opinion would definitely be "Correction: everything is better with food."

After my stomach reminded me it was already time for breakfast, I couldn't agree more. If you're thinking we're gonna just have rice and sweets again, don't underestimate how adaptable Asian cuisine can be. The sweets were only a small part of the various Nepali and Tibetan dishes Mainavati had prepared. A small banquet fitting for six people was laid out on a simple wooden table, with small bowls for Alex and Ma set on the ground. If there was a palette for people who grew up with influences from both India and China, this would be it. Besides the usual rotis, rice, and various curries, there were also freshly steamed vegetable dumplings and noodles.

Ghata, on the other hand, took a different approach when it came to food. Along with being super polite and using every form of table manners in the rule book, she also constantly looked at dishes with the critical eye of a health inspector. Besides being a vegetarian, she also ate small but frequent meals, unlike her mom who binged like she was in a Mukbang video. If anything even had a speck over her limit of fat content, she'd turn it down immediately. On her plate was just a few spoonfuls of rice and a couple variations of the vegetable curries.

"Dude," said Priya with half a dumpling in her mouth. "You know there's such a thing as cheat days, right?"

"A healthy body is the perfect home for a healthy mind," replied Ghata. "This whole meal looks very delicious though, Mainavati devi . My amma would be impressed."

"Thank you dear!" said Mainavati. "I've been working on making my recipes healthier. Don't worry about the fat content, I made sure to use as little ghee and olive oil as I could. Someone here has to watch their cholesterol."

"She's always thinking of my health." said Himavat, blushing again. "You gotta love her!"

"Wait, what cholesterol?" asked Priya. "You're both go-" I covered Priya's mouth before she could spoil the moment. "Just let the married couple be," I said.

Seriously? she thought flatly when I let go. You'll defend them but cringe whenever your parents start flirting?

I cringe at their dynamic. I thought back. It's just weird to see them like that sometimes.

What's wrong with their dynamic? asked Ghata.

Nothing. I responded. From what I read, it was pretty sweet, but ever since I found out it was real, it seems like I invaded their privacy. Also, I don't think it's what I would want if I was in a relationship. Hence, the cringing.

Huh, thought Priya. I kinda get what you mean. I felt like punching dad's lights out when he hit on your mom.

Don't remind me. I internally gagged.

Anyway, thought Priya, I actually thought you'd turn out Aro with the way you reacted.

Aro-Ace people are on a spectrum that isn't all anti-relationships, but that's beside the point.
I continued. I like romance and I would like one. In fact, my favorite part is how they're both friends and in love at the same time.

Pyar Dosti Hai, quoted Suru while nibbling a sunset snow cone.

Exactly, I said. It's just hard to see them in that light. It's strange enough to think of them as something besides 'mom and dad' after so long, but I read their love story and found out it was the real deal. I guess that just makes me less enthused to act like they do.